Publisher: Sparkplay Media
Developer: Sparkplay Media
System requirements: Windows XP/Vista/Win 7; 1.7 GHz Pentium III or better CPU; 1 GB RAM for Win XP (1.5 GB for Vista/Win 7); 128 MB graphics card with Shader Model 2.0; Broadband Internet connection
Genre: MMORPG
Release date: 2010

When anybody refers to a browser-based MMO, a couple of things come to mind: stripped and limited. Unlike their retail software counterparts, these games can lack the depth that MMOs such as World of Warcraft possess. Sparkplay Media is hoping to bridge this gap with Earth Eternal. Touted as the “real browser MMO,” Earth weaves together elements of other MMOs and community internet boards such as Facebook, Twitter, etc, to create a promising game that is accessible even when you are not at your home computer.

The world of Eternal Earth takes a cue from “Planet of the Apes.” This time, though, the apes are not the only ones running the planet. This alternate universe, as you can see beautifully displayed, is located in a post-humanity Europe. The familiar relics of its fallen inhabitants remain, but the world has definitely changed. Twenty-two animal races now run the show, ranging from foxes to Yetis. Yes, Yetis! Choosing a race is merely for aesthetic appeal, but the meat of their abilities lies within the four available classes: Knight, Mage, Druid and Rogue. The class system in Earth Eternal is rather flexible. You start by selecting one of the primary classes, and as you gain experience you acquire a secondary and a tertiary class. For example, a Knight can eventually acquire Druid and Mage abilities. There is a “soft’ level cap, so this indicates an infinite number of combinations.

Earth Eternal is what you would expect any current MMO to be. As you walk through the vast land (trust me, it’s big), you go from area to area completing objectives and acquiring items. As you venture through the quests, you gain experience and Heroism, a statistic that affects items such as luck, item drops and extra HP as you destroy monsters. When you die, you are given the choice of losing one of three items: coins, temporary health or Heroism. When you need a break from the main quest, you can go to your grove. These can be available for personal or clan use. They are fully customizable by altering the terrain or even adding furniture. Sparkplay has indicated there will be a player-vs-player mode, but there is no clear date when this might be available.

The currency of Earth Eternal is credit. As you venture through the world, you gain credit, but you can also acquire it in other ways. You can participate in a variety of Internet-based surveys, or you can purchase it with your hard-earned cash. Credit unlocks ability points and specific game items. It is important to note that in-game items are purchased with actual money, and can be acquired as you progress in the game. Buying these items only gives you an edge for a short time.

Sparkplay is clearly attempting to build an impressive MMO for your Internet browser. Since I started to play, I’ve found myself at work during my breaks wanting to play a little more. Earth Eternal is still in beta, but don’t hesitate to give it a try (Mac owners might have to wait a little longer). The game is free to play, so just mosey on down to your local gaming parlor and boot it up; you might just find your next MMO addiction. Did I mention it is free?